Scouting the Wheaton Warrenville South Tigers
Wheaton Warrenville South wasted no time distancing itself from a football season that often drifted into dismal territory.
Two days after a seventh loss ended last year, the Tigers' coaching staff held team meetings to begin the recovery process.
"The 2-7 record, we'd never seen that before," coach Ron Muhitch said. "More than knowing the history, we have to know why it happened. We came up with the motto to 'rebuild our house.' The kids have bought into it."
The rebuild began by building better depth and strength, two aspects Muhitch believes the Tigers lacked last year when a few key injuries derailed playoff hopes.
Offensive linemen Dan Bucholz, Dom Bellochio and John LaBelle all return to protect quarterback Matt Dohse, who threw for 356 yards last season and led the Tigers to the Red Grange 7-on-7 title in the summer. Although inexperienced, the receiving corps is strong with Cam Moore, a game-breaking transfer from Wheaton North, Christian Harris, Ashton Jones and tight end Mike Cluchey.
Dohse, joined by another experienced quarterback in Jack Maher, also will be a dangerous run threat. Running backs Luke Foster and Ryan Young add to the threat.
The undersized defense is thin on experience with only linebacker Jack Farley and defensive back Drew Polezoes returning. Lineman Jake Kunkel is back after overcoming injuries from last season, but the Tigers may need to rely on some two-way play on the line.
"We'll be smaller but quicker on defense," Muhitch said. "We like what we saw in the summer, but we need to see if they can tackle."
In addition to the Grange title, a surprisingly successful summer featured an 8-5 finish in the national 7-on-7 tournament in Alabama. Translating that success into the fall is a completely different story, but it's the goal.
"We accomplished more this summer than we have in years," Muhitch said. "I'm anxious to see if it carries over."
One to watch: Week 8
The DVC is the clear priority, but the season could hinge on a late trip to Michigan.
The breakdown
Coach: Ron Muhitch (15th year, 127-41).
2015 record: 2-7, 1-7, ninth in DuPage Valley Conference.
Top players: Matt Dohse (QB, 6-0, 195, sr.), Jack Farley (LB, 6-0, 185, sr.), Drew Polezoes (DB, 5-10, 175, sr.), Jake Kunkel (DL, 5-10, 240, sr.), Dan Bucholz (OL, 6-3, 280, sr.), Dom Bellochio (OL, 6-0, 265, sr.), John LaBelle (OL, 6-0, 235, jr.), Zack Hrycyk (OL, 6-4, 315, sr.), Luke Foster (RB, 5-9, 180, sr.), Ryan Young (RB, 5-10, 185, jr.), Cam Moore (WR, 6-1, 199, sr.), Christian Harris (WR, 6-3, 171, sr.), Ashton Jones (WR, 6-2, 165, sr.), Mike Cluchey (TE, 6-3, 195, sr.), Brian Haw (LB, 5-11, 190, jr.), Spiro Pavlou (DB, 6-0, 200, sr.).
- Kevin Schmit
Schedule
Wheaton Warrenville South
Fri, 8/26, Wheaton Warrenville South at Wheaton North, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/2, Lake Park at Wheaton Warrenville South, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/9, Glenbard North at Wheaton Warrenville South, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/16, Wheaton Warrenville South at Neuqua Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/23, Naperville Central at Wheaton Warrenville South, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/30, Waubonsie Valley at Wheaton Warrenville South, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/7, Wheaton Warrenville South at Metea Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Sat, 10/15, Wheaton Warrenville South at Orchard Lake St. Marys (Mich.), 7 p.m.
Fri, 10/21, Wheaton Warrenville South at Naperville North, 7:30 p.m.